U.S. patent application number 14/306028 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-17 for spring configuration for touch-sensitive input device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Microsoft Corporation. Invention is credited to Feng-Hsiung Hsu.
Application Number | 20150363006 14/306028 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54545436 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150363006 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hsu; Feng-Hsiung |
December 17, 2015 |
Spring Configuration For Touch-Sensitive Input Device
Abstract
Disclosed are systems and methods associated with a
touch-sensitive input device including a plurality of keys, wherein
each key of the plurality of keys includes at least one spring.
Such a spring may include a substantially planar peak located at a
central portion of the spring, a first substantially arcuate leg
extending from the peak in a first direction, and a second
substantially arcuate leg extending from the peak in a second
direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. In
one embodiment, a resistive force provided by the at least one
spring decreases after the peak travels a first distance from an
initial position of the peak. In such an embodiment, the first
distance is less than or equal to approximately 1/5 of a range of
travel of the peak.
Inventors: |
Hsu; Feng-Hsiung;
(Cupertino, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Microsoft Corporation |
Redmond |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54545436 |
Appl. No.: |
14/306028 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/168 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 2235/006 20130101;
G06F 3/04886 20130101; G06F 3/0202 20130101; H01H 13/26 20130101;
H01H 2235/022 20130101; H01H 2217/01 20130101; H01H 2217/006
20130101; G06F 3/0219 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/02 20060101
G06F003/02 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: a processor; a computer-readable media
operably connected to the processor; and a touch-sensitive input
device operably connected to at least one of the processor or the
computer-readable media, the touch-sensitive input device including
a plurality of keys, wherein each key of the plurality of keys
includes at least one spring comprising: a substantially planar
peak located at a central portion of the spring, a first
substantially arcuate leg extending from the peak in a first
direction, and a second substantially arcuate leg extending from
the peak in a second direction, wherein a resistive force provided
by the at least one spring decreases after the peak travels a first
distance from an initial position of the peak, and wherein the
first distance is less than or equal to approximately 1/5 of a
range of travel of the peak.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the range of travel of the peak
is less than approximately 2 mm.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first distance is less than
approximately 0.3 mm.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the resistive force provided by
the at least one spring increases as the peak travels, from the
initial position, a distance less than or substantially equal to
the first distance.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive input device
includes a sensor in communication with each key and the processor,
the sensor being configured to determine a position of the peak
along the range of travel.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring is
configured to provide a corrective torque in response to
application of a key stroke force to an off-center location on the
at least one spring, wherein the off-center location is disposed
between the peak and an end of at least one of the first and second
legs.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring further
comprises a third substantially arcuate leg extending from the peak
in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the second
direction, and a fourth substantially arcuate leg extending from
the peak in a fourth direction substantially perpendicular to the
first and third directions.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive input device
comprises a plurality of springs, the plurality of springs being
formed from a single sheet of material having a thickness of
approximately 0.1 mm.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the range of travel of the peak
extends from the initial position to a final position, the range of
travel extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the
peak, and the at least one spring is configured to provide the
resistive force in response to application of a key stroke force
proximate the peak.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring provides
a maximum resistive force when the peak is located at a distance
between at least about 0.2 mm and at most about 0.4 mm from the
initial position, and wherein the maximum resistive force is
between at least about 40 grams and at most about 60 grams.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second legs
comprise a first pair of legs disposed at a first corner of the
peak, the button further comprising a second pair of legs disposed
at a second corner of the peak, a third pair of legs disposed at a
third corner of the peak, and a fourth pair of legs disposed at a
fourth corner of the peak.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one key of the
plurality of keys includes a keycap having at least four edges, the
first and second legs comprising a first pair of legs disposed
along an edge of the at least four edges.
13. A touch-sensitive input device, comprising: a substantially
planar substrate; and a plurality of springs supported on the
substrate, wherein at least one spring of the plurality of springs
comprises: a substantially planar peak spaced from the substrate, a
first substantially arcuate leg extending from the peak toward the
substrate, the first leg being oriented in a first direction
relative to the peak, and a second substantially arcuate leg
extending from the peak toward the substrate, the second leg being
oriented in a second direction relative to the peak substantially
perpendicular to the first direction, wherein a resistive force
provided by the at least one spring increases as the peak travels a
first distance, toward the substrate, from an initial position of
the peak, the resistive force increasing until a maximum resistive
force is provided by the at least one spring, and the resistive
force decreasing after the peak travels the first distance.
14. The touch-sensitive input device of claim 13, wherein the
substrate comprises a printed circuit board, and wherein the
plurality of springs is formed from a single sheet of material, the
single sheet of material being supported on the substrate.
15. The touch-sensitive input device of claim 14, wherein the
substrate comprises at least one groove, and wherein at least a
portion of the sheet of material is disposed within the at least
one groove.
16. The touch-sensitive input device of claim 14, further
comprising a layer of raiser film disposed between the substrate
and the sheet of material.
17. The touch-sensitive input device of claim 13, wherein the peak
is spaced from the substrate by a distance less than approximately
2 mm.
18. The touch-sensitive input device of claim 13, wherein the first
distance is less than or equal to approximately 1/5 of a range of
travel of the peak.
19. The touch-sensitive input device of claim 13, wherein the at
least one spring provides a maximum resistive force when the peak
is located at a distance between at least about 1 mm and at most
about 3 mm from the initial position, and wherein the maximum
resistive force is between at least about 40 grams and at most
about 60 grams.
20. A method of manufacturing a touch-sensitive input device,
comprising: providing a substantially planar substrate; forming a
plurality of springs from a single sheet of material; and
supporting the sheet of material on the substrate, wherein at least
one spring of the plurality of springs comprises: a substantially
planar peak spaced from the substrate, a first substantially
arcuate leg extending from the peak toward the substrate, the first
leg being oriented in a first direction relative to the peak, and a
second substantially arcuate leg extending from the peak toward the
substrate, the second leg being oriented in a second direction
relative to the peak substantially perpendicular to the first
direction, wherein a resistive force provided by the at least one
spring decreases after the peak travels a first distance, toward
the substrate, from an initial position of the peak, the first
distance being less than or equal to approximately 1/5 of a range
of travel of the peak.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising forming at least one
groove in the substrate and disposing at least a portion of the
sheet of material within the at least one groove.
22. The method of claim 20, further comprising disposing a layer of
raiser film between the substrate and the sheet of material.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein forming the plurality of
springs comprises: forming a third substantially arcuate leg
extending from the peak of the at least one spring in a third
direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction, and
forming a fourth substantially arcuate leg extending from the peak
of the at least one spring in a fourth direction substantially
perpendicular to the first and third directions.
24. The method of claim 20, wherein the first and second legs
comprise a first pair of legs disposed at a first corner of the
peak, and wherein forming the plurality of springs further
comprises: forming a second pair of legs disposed at a second
corner of the peak, forming a third pair of legs disposed at a
third corner of the peak, and forming a fourth pair of legs
disposed at a fourth corner of the peak.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Standard computing device keyboards typically include keys
that are moveable against a mechanical spring disposed beneath each
respective key. When optimized for ergonomics and other factors,
such springs, and their corresponding keys, are characterized by a
relatively long stroke and a moderate resistive force (i.e.,
"spring force"). As a result, keystrokes on such conventional
keyboards have a distinct tactile response that has come to be
preferred by users. In particular, the relatively long stroke of
such keys may increase user confidence that a desired key has been
successfully struck. Additionally, the resistive force provided by
such springs may be tuned to maximize comfort and ease of use.
[0002] Recently, however, thin keyboard technologies have increased
in popularity. Such thin keyboards are typically designed to mimic
the functionality of standard keyboards while minimizing the
overall weight and thickness of the device. For example, the keys
of such thin keyboards may be designed to replicate the feel of
conventional keyboard keys while having a reduced stroke to
minimize keyboard thickness. To accomplish this, thin keyboards
typically employ a dome-shaped spring beneath each respective key.
However, it is difficult for current dome springs to accurately
match the tactile response associated with the mechanical springs
utilized in conventional keyboards. Moreover, it is difficult to
change the resistive force provided by dome springs without
modifying either the thickness of the material used to form such
springs or the height of such springs. As a result, dome springs
are not easily calibrated to provide a resistive force matching
that of standard springs.
SUMMARY
[0003] This disclosure describes, in part, a touch-sensitive input
device, such as a thin keyboard, touchpad, or other like
peripheral. In some embodiments, such a device may include one or
more keys configured to receive input from a user. Example keys of
the present disclosure may each include one or more springs
configured to provide a resistive force (i.e., "spring force") in
response to application of and/or receipt of a corresponding key
stroke force by a user of the touch-sensitive device. In example
embodiments, the springs of the present disclosure may approximate
the tactile feel of mechanical springs utilized in conventional
keyboards while having a relatively shorter stroke. Additionally,
the springs of the present disclosure may be shaped, sized, and/or
otherwise configured to provide a resistive force matching that of
corresponding mechanical springs. Further, the resistive force
provided by the springs of the present disclosure may be easily
tuned without altering either the thickness of the material used to
form such springs or the height of such springs. In particular, the
springs of the present disclosure may provide such a resistive
force while being formed from materials having a reduced thickness
relative to the materials used to form conventional dome springs.
Additionally, the springs of the present disclosure may have a
shorter range of travel than conventional dome springs. As a
result, the springs of the present disclosure may approximate the
tactile feel of conventional mechanical springs while having a
relatively shorter stroke than the dome springs described above.
Due to such configurations, the overall thickness of a keyboard
utilizing the springs of the present disclosure can be reduced
while improving the user experience. Additionally, manufacturing
costs may be reduced and the difficulty associated with
manufacturing such springs may be minimized.
[0004] In example embodiments, one or more springs of the
touch-sensitive device may include a substantially planar peak
located at a central portion of the spring. The peak may provide a
surface for supporting, for example, a key cap or other like
component of the device. Such springs may also include at least one
leg extending from the peak. For example, such springs may include
a first substantially arcuate leg extending from the peak in a
first direction, and a second substantially arcuate leg extending
from the peak in a second direction substantially perpendicular to
the first direction. In further embodiments, such springs may
include any number of additional legs useful in providing a desired
resistive force associated with the corresponding key. For example,
springs of the present disclosure may include a third substantially
arcuate leg extending from the peak in a third direction
substantially perpendicular to the second direction, and a fourth
substantially arcuate leg extending from the peak in a fourth
direction substantially perpendicular to the first and third
directions.
[0005] In still further embodiments, such springs may also include
any number of leg pairs. For example, the first and second legs
described above may be a first pair of spring legs. In such
embodiments, a spring may also include second, third, and/or fourth
pairs of legs, and such pairs of legs may be disposed at any
location relative to the peak of the spring. For example, the first
pair of legs may be disposed at a first corner of the peak, the
second pair of legs may be disposed at a second corner of the peak,
the third pair of legs may be disposed at a third corner of the
peak, and the fourth pair of legs may be disposed at a fourth
corner of the peak.
[0006] In example embodiments, springs of the present disclosure
may also be configured to provide any desired resistive force
typically associated with conventional or thin keyboards. In some
embodiments, the resistive force provided by such springs may
decrease after the peak travels a first distance, from an initial
position of the peak, less than or equal to approximately 1/5 of a
range of travel of the peak. Further, the resistive force provided
by the spring may increase as the peak travels, from the initial
position, a distance less than or substantially equal to the first
distance. Additionally, in some example embodiments such springs
may be configured to provide a maximum resistive force between at
least about 40 grams and at most about 60 grams, and such a maximum
resistive force may be provided when the peak is located at a
distance between at least about 0.2 mm and at most about 0.4 mm
from the initial position. Such configurations may optimize the
ergonomics and tactile response of the touch-sensitive device. It
is understood that the above resistive forces and distances are
examples. In further embodiments, springs of the present disclosure
may be configured to provide a maximum resistive force greater than
60 grams. For example, such springs may be configured to provide a
maximum resistive force that is greater than about 100 grams.
Additionally, springs of the present disclosure may be
characterized by a total range of travel that is at least about 0.5
mm. For example, such springs may be characterized by a total range
of travel that is greater than about 2 mm.
[0007] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that is further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The detailed description is described with reference to the
accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a
reference number identifies the figure in which the reference
number first appears. The same reference numbers in different
figures indicates similar or identical items.
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an example architecture including a
computing device having a touch-sensitive input device configured
to receive user input.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a structure of a computing
device having a touch-sensitive input device.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates springs of a touch-sensitive input device
according to a first example embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates springs of a touch-sensitive input device
according to a second example embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates springs of a touch-sensitive input device
according to a third example embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an
example touch-sensitive input device.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a plot illustrating an example relationship
between force and distance.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method of
manufacturing a touch-sensitive input device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to, among
other things, touch-sensitive input devices, such as keyboards
associated with computing devices, and methods of manufacturing
associated with such input devices. Embodiments described herein
may be applied to keyboards, or similar human interface devices
(HIDs), that may contain one or more keys or buttons, and such
embodiments may improve typing efficiencies and user experience.
Keyboards, as used herein, may be physical keyboards (i.e., made of
a tangible material with a physical structure) integrated with, or
used as a peripheral device to, computing devices. Physical
keyboards may be of any structure with structure and thickness
ranging from a sheet of paper to a keyboard with mechanically
movable key-switch structures. For example, keyboards used with
slate or tablet computers (e.g., the Touch Cover.TM. used with the
Surface.TM. tablet manufactured by Microsoft.RTM. Corporation of
Redmond, Wash.), notebooks or laptop computers, and the like, are
contemplated for use with the embodiments of the present
disclosure. However, it is to be appreciated that the disclosed
embodiments may also be utilized with other similar types of HIDs
(i.e., HIDs having multiple keys), pointing devices with keys or
buttons, joysticks, remote control input devices for television or
similar devices, gaming system controllers, mobile phone keyboards,
automotive user input mechanisms, home automation keyboards (e.g.,
keyboards embedded in appliances, furniture, walls, etc.), and the
like. The term "external keyboard" is sometimes used herein to
denote any keyboard, including those listed above, that may be
removably coupled to (via a wired or wireless connection) an
associated computing device. Any keyboard that is "external" to an
associated computing device in the sense that it is not an
on-screen, soft keyboard that displays a keyboard GUI on an output
display screen of a computing device, is contemplated for use with
the embodiments disclosed herein, whether it be a physical or
virtual keyboard.
[0018] The techniques and systems described herein may be
implemented in a number of ways. Example implementations are
provided below with reference to the following figures.
Example Architecture
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an example architecture 100 including a
computing device 102 that is configured to receive information in
the form of user input from one or more touch-sensitive input
devices associated with the computing device 102. For example, the
computing device 102 may be a tablet or notebook computer
configured to accept information or other such inputs from a
touch-sensitive keyboard, touchpad, touchscreen, or other like
peripheral device. In some embodiments, the computing device 102
may be configured to perform an action in response to such input,
such as outputting a desired letter, number, or symbol associated
with a corresponding key of the touch-sensitive input device,
selecting an interface element, moving a mouse pointer or cursor,
scrolling on a page, and so on.
[0020] The computing device 102 may represent any machine or other
device configured to process and/or otherwise carry out a set of
instructions. In example embodiment, such a computing device 102
may comprise a stationary computing device or a mobile computing
device. For example, a stationary computing device 102 may
comprise, among other things, a desktop computer, a game console, a
database, a server, a plurality of linked servers, and the like.
Additionally, a mobile computing device 102 may comprise, among
other things, a laptop computer, a smart phone, an electronic
reader device, a mobile handset, a personal digital assistant
(PDA), a portable navigation device, a portable gaming device, a
tablet computer, a watch, a portable media player, and so on.
[0021] The device 102 may be equipped with one or more processor(s)
104, memory 106, keyboard(s) 108, auxiliary sensor(s) 110, touch
surface(s) 112, and/or display(s) 114. In some embodiments, a touch
surface 112 of the device 102 may provide a soft keyboard 108.
Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the device 102 may also include
or be associated with one or more network interfaces, other input
and/or output peripheral devices (e.g., a mouse, a non-integrated
keyboard, a joystick, a microphone, a camera, a speaker, a printer,
etc.), and/or other elements typically associated with a computing
device. Some or all of the above components of the device 102,
whether illustrated or not illustrated, may be in communication
with each other and/or otherwise connected via one or more buses or
other means. Such connections are illustrated schematically in FIG.
1. For example, it is understood that the example keyboard 108
shown in FIG. 2 may comprise a thin, tabletop keyboard that is
physically separate from, but in communication with, the device
102.
[0022] The one or more processors 104 may include a central
processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a
microprocessor, and so on. Alternatively, or in addition, the
processor 104 may include one or more hardware logic components.
For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware
logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate
Arrays (FPGAs), Program-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs),
Program-specific Standard Products (AS SPs), System-on-a-chip
systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), etc.
The processor 104 may be operably connected to and/or otherwise in
communication with the memory 106 and/or other components of the
device 102 described herein. In some embodiments, the processor 104
may also include on-board memory configured to store information
associated with various operations and/or functionality of the
processor 104.
[0023] The memory 106 may include one or a combination of
computer-readable media operably connected to the processor 104.
Computer-readable media may include computer storage media and/or
communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and
non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any
method or technology for storage of information such as
computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules,
or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited
to, phase change memory (PRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM),
dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), other types of random-access
memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable
programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other
memory technology, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital
versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes,
magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage
devices, or any other non-transmission medium that can be used to
store information for access by a computing device. In contrast,
communication media may embody computer-readable instructions, data
structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data
signal, such as a carrier wave, or other transmission mechanism. As
defined herein, computer storage media does not include
communication media.
[0024] The device 102 may communicate with one or more like
devices, servers, service providers, or other like components via
one or more networks (not shown). The one or more networks may
include any one or combination of multiple different types of
networks, such as cellular networks, wireless networks, Local Area
Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), Personal Area Networks
(PANs), and the Internet. Additionally, the service provider may
provide one or more services to the device 102. The service
provider may include one or more computing devices, such as one or
more desktop computers, laptop computers, servers, and the like. In
some embodiments, such service provider devices may include a
keyboard or other like touch-sensitive input device employing one
or more of the spring configurations described herein. The one or
more computing devices may be configured in a cluster, data center,
cloud computing environment, or a combination thereof. In one
example, the one or more computing devices provide cloud computing
resources, including computational resources, storage resources,
and the like, that operate remotely to the device 102.
[0025] The memory 106 may include software functionality configured
as one or more "modules." The term "module" is intended to
represent example divisions of the software for purposes of
discussion, and is not intended to represent any type of
requirement or required method, manner or organization.
Accordingly, various such modules, their functionality and/or
similar functionality could be arranged differently (e.g., combined
into a fewer number of modules, broken into a larger number of
modules, etc.). Further, while certain functions and modules may be
implemented by software and/or firmware executable by the processor
104, in other embodiments, one or more such modules may be
implemented in whole or in part by other hardware components of the
device 102 (e.g., as an ASIC, a specialized processing unit, etc.)
to execute the described functions. In some instances, the
functions and/or modules are implemented as part of an operating
system. In other instances, the functions and/or modules are
implemented as part of a device driver (e.g., a driver for a touch
surface), firmware, and so on.
[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the memory 106 may include a
classification module 116. Although not shown in FIG. 1, in
additional embodiments, the memory 106 may additionally or
alternatively include a learning module and/or one or more
additional modules. Although in the architecture 100 of FIG. 1 the
classification module 116 is illustrated as being included in the
device 102, alternatively, the classification module 116, a
learning module, and/or other modules associated with the device
102 may be included in the service provider or network described
above. As such, in some instances the device 102 may act as an
input/output device that receives user input and outputs content,
while the service provider performs functions for classifying user
input, learning information, and other operations.
[0027] The classification module 116 may classify user input (e.g.,
key strokes, touch contacts, and/or other like, or input) received
through the device 102 (e.g., via the keyboard 108 and/or the touch
surface 112). The classification may be based on contextual
information and/or other types of information. For example, the
classification may be based on location information associated with
a location on the keyboard 108 at which the contact occurs. In
additional examples, the classification may be based on such
location information and/or force information associated with the
contact. For example, the classification may be based, at least in
part, on a determined key stroke force applied to the keyboard 108
by the user in contacting the keyboard 108. Such classifications
may be saved in the memory 106 and/or provided to the processor 104
by the classification module 116 for use in further operations of
the device 102.
[0028] In some embodiments, a learning module (not shown) may learn
information related to a user's interaction with the device 102.
For example, a learning module may learn an average typing rate of
the user (e.g., a number of key strokes per unit of time),
characteristics about the user's hands (e.g., a size of the tips of
the user's fingers, a palm size, etc.), how often after typing the
user uses the touch surface 112, and so on. This information may be
utilized to create a personalized user experience and/or profile
for the touch surface 112 and/or other input devices. Such
personalized user experiences and/or profiles may be saved in the
memory 106 and/or provided to the processor 104 for use in further
operations of the device 102.
[0029] In some embodiments, the keyboard 108 may include a set of
mechanical or pressure-sensitive buttons, while in other instances
the keyboard 108 may be implemented through a touch screen or other
type of touch surfaces 112 described herein. The buttons of the
keyboard 108 may include alphanumerical keys (e.g., letters or
numbers), control keys (e.g., shift, enter, F1-F12, esc, etc.), or
any other type of key 118. Such keys 118 may be disposed on,
embedded substantially within, and/or formed by an outer surface
120 of the keyboard 108. The keyboard 108 of FIG. 1 illustrates one
example layout, but it is to be appreciated that the embodiments
described herein are not limited to any particular keyboard layout
such that keyboards with any number of keys 118 in any arrangement
or layout may be utilized without changing the basic
characteristics of the device 102. The keys 118 may comprise
physical actuating keys, and each key 118 may be appropriately
labeled to identify a particular key 118 with one or more
characters, such as letters, numbers, symbols, etc. The keys 118
may generally register a specific character, symbol, or function
upon activation of the keys 118 by a keyboard user. For example,
such keys 118 may be actuated in response to a user's finger and/or
other portions of a user's hand 122 contacting one or more of the
keys 118 and/or the touch surface 112.
[0030] The auxiliary sensor 110 may represent a proximity sensor
that detects a proximity of objects to the device 102 (e.g., a
sensor that detects a user gripping the device 102, etc.), a
presence sensor, an infrared (IR)/thermal sensor, a Wi-Fi.RTM.
sensor, a camera, a microphone, and so on. In some instances, the
camera and/or microphone may act to detect proximity of an object
to the device 102 (e.g., by analyzing video or audio of objects
that are in proximity to the device). Although many of the example
techniques herein discuss user input as corresponding to a touch
contact, the techniques may similarly apply to other types of user
input, such as air input. As used herein, "air input" may refer to
any type of input that is received without contacting the outer
surface 120 (e.g., through the air). In one instance, air input
comprises an air gesture, such as a user waving a hand to initiate
an action, a user holding a hand in a particular orientation or
manner (e.g., making a first or thumbs-up), or any other type of
bodily action or positioning. As such, in some instances the
auxiliary sensor 110 of the device 102 may include cameras,
temperature sensors, proximity sensors, IR sensors, microphones, or
other devices to detect air input.
[0031] The touch surface 112 may comprise any type of digitizer
configured to detect a touch contact. The detection may be based on
capacitive, optical, or any other sensing technique. In one
example, the touch surface 112 includes a touch pad (also known as
a track pad) having a tactile sensor to sense touch, pressure,
and/or force (of an area of contact). Alternatively, or
additionally, the touch surface 112 may include a touch screen. In
some instances, the touch surface 112 may be implemented as a
device that includes a touch pad and a mouse (e.g., a combination
touch pad-mouse device external to or integrated with the device
102). Further, in some instances the touch surface 112 may be
implemented as a touch screen display configured to display
content, while the touch pad may not be configured to display
content.
[0032] The device 102 may be operably connected to a power source
124. In some embodiments, the power source 124 may comprise a
rechargeable battery removably connected to the device 102. In such
embodiments, the power source 124 may be disposed substantially
within a portion of the device 102, and may be removed or replaced
as needed. Alternatively, the power source 124 may comprise a wall
outlet or other like source of external DC power connectable to the
device 102. The power source 124 may be operably connected to the
processor 104, the keyboard 108, the auxiliary sensor 110, and/or
other components of the device 102, and may be configured to
provide electrical power to such components during operation of the
device 102. The device 102 and/or the power source 124 may include
one or more drivers, transformers, power circuits, converters,
regulators, and/or other like components (not shown) configured to
condition the electrical power provided by the power source 124 as
necessary.
Example Device
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates example structural details of the device
102 of FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates a partial
cross-sectional view of a keyboard 108 associated with the device
102. As noted above, the keyboard 108 is one example of a
touch-sensitive input device including a plurality of keys 118. The
keyboard 108 may be either embedded within the computing device
102, or removably coupled to the computing device 102 as with an
external keyboard. For example, the keyboard 108 may be physically
connected to the computing device 102 through electrical couplings
such as wires, pins, connectors, etc., or the keyboard 108 may be
wirelessly coupled to the computing device, such as via short-wave
radio frequency (e.g., Bluetooth.RTM.), or another suitable
wireless communication protocol.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the keyboard 108 may include a plurality
of components configured to receive key strokes or other like input
from, for example, the hand 122 of a user. Such components may be
configured to determine a force, location, and/or other
characteristics associated with such input. Additionally, such
components may be configured to provide a resistive force in
response to receiving such user input. The resistive force provided
by such components may be tuned to approximate the resistive force
provided by mechanical springs of conventional keyboards.
Additionally, such components may be tuned to approximate the
relatively long stroke of such mechanical springs. The components
of the keyboard 108 may be operably connected to and/or otherwise
in communication with, for example, the processor 104, the memory
106, the power source 124, and/or other components of the device
102, and the various components of the keyboard 108 may be
configured to provide information in the form of electrical signals
to such components of the computing device 102 for processing.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the keyboard 108 may include a sheet of
material 202 forming a plurality of springs 204, a substantially
planar substrate 206 supporting at least a portion of the sheet of
material 202, and one or more sensors 208 configured to determine a
position, proximity, velocity, acceleration, and/or other
characteristic of at least a component of a respective spring 204.
In some embodiments, one or more of the above components may be
mounted to, embedded within, and/or otherwise substantially
contained within an outer housing (not shown) of the keyboard 108
and/or other like touch input device. Alternatively, the substrate
206 may comprise at least an outer bottom surface of the keyboard
108 and/or other touch input device.
[0036] In some embodiments, the substrate 206 may comprise a
support layer of the keyboard 108 configured to provide a requisite
level of rigidity and strength to the keyboard 108, and its
components. For example, the substrate 206 may comprise a
substantially planar board, film, plate, or other like structure.
The substrate 206 may have any shape, size, dimension, and/or other
configuration suitable for supporting keyboard components. For
example, in some embodiments the substrate 206 may have a
substantially rectangular and/or substantially square shape
typically associated with the keyboard 108. Additionally, such a
substrate 206 may be as thin as possible so as to minimize the
overall thickness of such keyboards 108. In example embodiments,
the thickness of the substrate 206 (i.e., in the Z direction) may
be between at least about 1 mm and at most about 3 mm, and in
further embodiments, the thickness of the substrate 206 may be less
than approximately 1 mm. Additionally, the substrate 206 may be
made from any metal, alloy, polymer, plastic, or other like
material.
[0037] In some embodiments, the substrate 206 and/or other
components of the keyboard 108 may comprise a printed circuit
board. In such embodiments, the printed circuit board may be made
from any substantially flexible material, such as Kapton.RTM., or
other circuit board materials configured for use in touch-sensitive
input devices. In such embodiments, a printed electrical circuit,
and associated electrical components, may be formed on, connected
to, in communication with, and/or embedded substantially within the
printed circuit board. The printed circuit board and each of its
components may be electrically and/or otherwise operably connected
to the processor 104 and/or any of the other components of the
computing device 102 described herein. Additionally, in such
embodiments the printed circuit board may function as a platform or
support structure for one or more of the keyboard components
described herein. For example, such components may be disposed on,
embedded substantially within, and/or otherwise fixed to a first
side of the printed circuit board facing the sheet of material 202.
The printed circuit board may also include a second side opposite
the first side and facing away from the sheet of material 202. In
such an embodiment, the first side of the printed circuit board may
face an interior of the keyboard 108, and the second side of the
printed circuit board may face and/or may form an exterior of the
keyboard 108.
[0038] In some embodiments, the sheet of material 202 may be
similar to the substrate 206 described above. For example, the
sheet of material 202 may have a shape, size, thickness, and/or
other configuration that substantially matches a corresponding
configuration of the substrate 206. Like the substrate 206, the
sheet of material 202 may have a substantially rectangular and/or
substantially square shape common to keyboards 108. Additionally,
the thickness of the sheet of material 202 may be minimized in
order to minimize the overall thickness of the resulting keyboard
108. In example embodiments, the sheet of material 202 may have a
thickness (i.e., in the Z direction) between at least about 0.1 mm
and at most about 0.5 mm. In further embodiments, the sheet of
material 202 may have a thickness equal to approximately 0.1 mm or
less. Further, the sheet of material 202 may be made from any of
the materials described above with respect to the substrate 206,
and in some embodiments, the sheet of material 202, and the springs
204 included thereon, may be formed through any of a number of
manufacturing processes. For example, the sheet of material 202 and
the springs 204 may be formed through one or more of cutting,
etching, thermoforming, molding, and/or any other suitable
manufacturing process. Further, in some embodiments the sheet of
material 202 and/or the springs 204 may be made from a
substantially transparent material such that one or more of the
sensors 208 may be utilized to determine, for example, a location
and/or position of the spring 204 and/or a component of the spring
204.
[0039] The sensors 208 may comprise any of the sensors described
above with respect to the auxiliary sensors 110. In example
embodiments, one or more of the sensors 208 may comprise an optical
sensor, light sensors, proximity sensor, capacitance sensor,
pressure sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, or other like sensor
configured to determine one or more characteristics of an object
disposed within a field of view of the sensor. As shown in FIG. 2,
at least one sensor 208 may be positioned and/or otherwise
configured so as to correspond to a respective key 118 of the
keyboard 108. In such embodiments, the at least one sensor 208 may
determine the location, force, velocity, acceleration, and/or other
characteristics associated with the respective key 118 and/or with
one or more springs 204 of the respective key 118. Each of the
sensors 208 may be electrically, operably, and/or otherwise
connected to the printed circuit board described above.
Additionally, and/or alternatively, each of the sensors 208 may be
electrically, operably, and/or otherwise connected to the processor
104 and/or any of the other components of the computing device 102
described herein. Accordingly, the sensors 208 may be configured to
provide one or more signals to such components of the computing
device 102 containing information indicative of the one or more
characteristics sensed, monitored, calculated, and/or otherwise
determined by the sensors 208. In some embodiments, one or more
sensors 208 may be disposed on and/or embedded at least partially
within the substrate 206, the sheet of material 202, one or more of
the springs 204, the printed circuit board described above, and/or
any other components of the keyboard 108. Alternatively, one or
more of the sensors 208 may be spaced from such components and/or
otherwise mounted substantially within the keyboard 108 to assist
in determining one or more of the characteristics described
above.
[0040] As noted above, each key 118 of the keyboard 108 may include
at least one of the springs 204 formed by the sheet material 202.
Each of the springs 204 may be operative to provide a resistive
force (i.e., a spring force) in response to the application of a
key stroke force and/or other like input from the user. For
example, one or more fingers of the user's hand 122 may apply a key
stroke force to a particular key 118 in the direction of arrow 210.
In response, a spring 204 corresponding to the particular key 118
may provide a resistive force substantially in the direction of
arrow 212. As will described in greater detail below, the resistive
force provided by such springs 204 may vary (i.e., may be dynamic)
as the spring 204 is acted upon by the user. For example, such a
resistive force may increase when a key stroke force is initially
applied to the spring 204, but may then decrease as the applied key
stroke force causes further movement of the spring.
[0041] Moreover, such springs 204 may also be configured to provide
a resistive force in response to the application of a key stroke
force at an off-center location on the key 118 and/or on the spring
204. As will be described in greater detail below, such a resistive
force may comprise a corrective torque that is provided by the
spring 204. In one example, such a key stroke force may be applied
to the side or edge of one of the keys 118 by the user, and may be
the result of the user not accurately striking the key 118. In such
an embodiment, the corrective torque may be provided by the spring
204 of the key 118 in the direction of arrow 214. It is understood
that the direction of arrow 214 shown in FIG. 2 is merely
exemplary, and that in additional embodiments, such a corrective
torque may be provided by the spring 204 in any direction that is
substantially opposite from the corresponding key stroke force
provided by the user.
[0042] The springs 204 may have any of a variety of different
configurations, and several example spring configurations are
illustrated in at least FIGS. 3-6. While FIGS. 3-6 illustrate
various example configurations of springs 204 that may be utilized
with the keyboards 108 described herein, it is understood that one
or more additional spring configurations may also be utilized
depending on, for example, the desired resistive force, stroke
(i.e., range of travel), tactile feel, ergonomics, and/or other
resulting characteristics of the respective keys 118 and/or of the
keyboard 108, generally. In particular, the length, width, height,
shape, radius, thickness, stiffness, relative proximity, and/or
other configurations of each spring 204 described herein may be
altered in any way in order to achieve a corresponding resistive
force, range of travel, tactile feel, and/or other characteristic
of a respective key 118.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of springs 204 may be formed
from the single sheet of material 202 described above. Each of the
springs 204 may include, among other things, at least one leg, and
a first end of the leg may be connected to the sheet of material
202 while a second end of the leg opposite the first end may be
connected to a substantially planar peak of the spring 204. For
example, each spring 204 may include a first leg 302, a second leg
304, a third leg 306, and a fourth leg 308. While each of the
springs 204 shown in FIG. 3 include four legs 302, 304, 306, 308,
in additional embodiments, such springs 204 may include any number
of legs less than or greater than four.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, each of the legs 302, 304, 306, 308 may
extend from a substantially planar peak 310 of the spring 204. For
example, a first end 312 of the first leg 302 may be connected to
the sheet of material 202 while a second end 314 of the first leg
302 may be connected to peak 310. Similarly, a first end 316 of the
second leg 304 may be connected to the sheet of material 202 while
a second end 318 of the second leg 304 may be connected to the peak
310. In this way, the peak 310 may be located at a central portion
320 of the spring 204, and the legs 302, 304, 306, 308 may extend
from the peak 310 in any conventional manner and/or direction so as
to mate with the substantially planar sheet of material 202.
Moreover, as noted above one or more of the springs 204 may be
configured to provide a corrective torque in response to
application of a key stroke force to an off-center location on the
spring 204. In such embodiments, an example off-center location may
be disposed between the peak 310 and an end 312, 316 of at least
one of the first and second legs 302, 304. It is understood that in
still further embodiments (not shown), an example spring 204 may
include a leg extending substantially along and/or beneath each
side of the peak 310. In embodiments in which the peak 310 has a
substantially square shape, such a spring 204 may include a
respective arcuate leg extending along and/or beneath each of the
four sides of the peak 310. Such legs may extend from the peak 310
to the sheet of material 202 as described above. Further, in
additional embodiments one or more keys 118 of the keyboard 108 may
include multiple springs 204 of the present disclosure. For
example, a key 118 may include a respective spring 204 disposed
beneath, associated with, and/or connected to various edges of a
keycap of the key 118. In embodiments in which the keycap is square
or rectangular in shape, such a key 118 may include a total of four
springs 204, each of which may be disposed beneath, associated
with, and/or connected to a respective edge of the keycap. Such
edges may be formed by and/or otherwise disposed at the perimeter
of the keycap. In such an embodiment, one or more of the four
springs 204 may comprise a single pair of legs 302, 306, and thus,
may comprise a "single-arc" spring 204. In further embodiments in
which such a keycap has a different shape or configuration, such as
a triangular shape, a pentagonal shape, a hexagonal shape, or the
like, more or less than four springs 204 may be employed.
Additionally, in such embodiments, one or more guiding structures
or other components of the keys 118 described herein may be
omitted.
[0045] As will be described in greater detail below with respect to
at least FIG. 6, the legs 302, 304, 306, 308 of the spring 204 may
elevate the peak 310 of the spring 204 to any desirable height
relative to the remainder of the substantially planar sheet of
material 202. As noted above, however, this height may be minimized
so as to minimize the overall thickness of the keyboard 108. It is
understood that at least one sensor 208 may be in communication
with each key 118 of the keyboard 108, as well as with the
processor 104 of the device 102. Additionally, the sensor 208 may
be configured to determine a position of the peak 310 along a range
of travel of the peak, a velocity, acceleration, proximity,
distance traveled, and/or other measurable characteristic of the
peak 310.
[0046] Additionally, it is understood that one or more of the legs
302, 304, 306, 308 may extend from the peak 310 in any conventional
direction. For example, the first leg 302 may extend from the peak
310 in a first direction 322, and the second leg 304 may extend
from the peak 310 in a second direction 324 that is substantially
perpendicular to the first direction 322. Moreover, the third leg
306 may extend from the peak 310 in a third direction 326 that is
substantially perpendicular to the second direction 324, and the
fourth leg 308 may extend from the peak 310 in a fourth direction
328 that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction 322
and the third direction 326. The first, second, third, and fourth
directions illustrated by arrows 322, 324, 326, 328 are merely
exemplary, and in further embodiments, one or more of the legs 302,
304, 306, 308 may extend radially from the peak 310 in an
alternative direction and/or at an alternative angle.
[0047] The legs 302, 304, 306, 308 and/or the peak 310 of each
spring 204 may be cut, etched, thermoformed, molded, and/or
otherwise formed from the sheet of material 202 to have any shape,
size, length, width, height, thickness, and/or other configuration
useful in "tuning" the resistive force, corrective torque, range of
travel, overall height, stiffness, and/or other characteristics of
the resulting spring 204 or its components. For example, as shown
in the top view of FIG. 3, each of the legs 302, 304, 306, 308 may
have a substantially uniform width W, length L, and/or other like
dimension. Additionally, the thickness of each leg may be
determined by, for example, the thickness of the sheet of material
202 and/or by one or more stretching, thermoforming, molding, or
other like leg formation processes. In further embodiments, one or
more of the legs 302, 304, 306, 308 may be tapered, curved, angled,
and/or bowed along the length L and/or along the width W thereof in
order to tune and/or otherwise achieve one or more of the above
characteristics of the resulting spring 204. In example embodiments
of the present disclosure, the length L may be described as a
"span" of a respective leg of a spring 204. Such a length L may be
between at least about 1 mm and at most about 4 mm or greater. For
example, in some embodiments such a length L may be any dimension
between about 1 mm and about 3 mm.
[0048] Additionally, it is understood that the springs 204 may have
any height and/or side profile useful in tuning and/or otherwise
achieving one or more of the above characteristics of the resulting
spring 204. Such a height H1 is illustrated in the partial
cross-sectional view of FIG. 6. In example embodiments of the
present disclosure, the height H1 of a spring 204 may be between at
least about 0.1 mm and at most about 2 mm or greater. For example,
in some embodiments such a height H1 may be any dimension between
about 0.4 mm and about 0.8 mm. As shown in at least FIG. 6, one or
more legs of the springs 204 may have a substantially arcuate shape
and/or profile. In such embodiments, one or more of the legs of the
springs 204 may have an arc radius between at least about 1 mm and
at most about 8 mm. For example, in some embodiments such an
example arc radius may be any dimension between about 2 mm and
about 5 mm. While the profile of the legs 302, 304 shown in FIG. 6
is substantially concave, in further embodiments, the profile of
one or more legs 302, 304, 306, 308 of each spring 204 may be
substantially convex, substantially linear, substantially
undulating, substantially ribbed, substantially notched,
substantially stepped, or the like. Each of the above
configurations may be useful in tuning and/or otherwise achieving
one or more of the above characteristics of the resulting spring
204. It is understood that the springs 204 of the present
disclosure may be "tuned" by modifying one or more of the lengths
L, widths W, heights H1, shapes, profiles, quantities, locations,
and/or other characteristics of the legs, peak 310, or other
portions of each spring 204. For example, such tuning may include,
among other things, increasing the width W and/or reducing the
length L of one or more legs of the spring 204 to increase the
resistive force provided by the spring 204. Such tuning may also
include, among other things, decreasing the width W and/or
increasing the length L of one or more legs of the spring 204 to
decrease the resistive force provided by the spring 204. It is
understood that the above dimensions associated with the length L,
height H1, arc radius, and other configurations of the spring 204
are merely exemplary, and that such dimensions may be greater than
or less than those described herein.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, in another example embodiment, one or
more springs 204 of the present disclosure may include more than
four legs. For example, one or more springs 204 formed from the
sheet of material 202 may include a first leg 402, a second leg
404, a third leg 406, and fourth leg 408 that are oriented in a
manner similar to that described above with respect to the first,
second, third, and fourth legs 302, 304, 306, 308 shown in FIG. 3.
In addition, such springs 204 may include fifth, sixth, seventh,
and eighth legs 410, 412, 414, 416, and/or any number of additional
legs as desired. To account for this number of legs, the length L,
width W, height H1, and/or any other dimensions or configurations
may be modified in order to achieve one or more of the above
characteristics of the resulting spring 204. For example, by
comparing the springs 204 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, it can be seen
that the width W of one or more of the legs shown in FIG. 4 may be
relatively less than the corresponding width W of the legs shown in
FIG. 3. Further, the length L of one or more of the legs shown in
FIG. 4 may be increased or decreased relative to the corresponding
length L of the legs shown in FIG. 3. It is understood that one or
more of the legs 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416 shown in
FIG. 4 may have the arcuate profile and/or any other profile
described above with respect to FIG. 6. Further, the configurations
of the legs 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416 shown in FIG. 4
may be useful in tuning and/or otherwise achieving one or more
desired characteristics of the resulting spring 204. It is
understood that, for ease of description, like item numbers have
been used throughout this disclosure to identify like components.
For example, FIG. 4 illustrates a spring 204 having a substantially
planar peak 310 and a central portion 320 similar to corresponding
components described above with respect to FIG. 3. FIG. 4 also
illustrates arrows 322, 324 indicative of first and second
directions, respectively, that are similar to corresponding arrows
322, 324 shown in FIG. 3.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, in still another example embodiment, one
or more springs 204 of the present disclosure may include one or
more pairs of legs. For example, one or more springs 204 formed
from the sheet of material 202 may include a first pair of legs
502, 504, a second pair of legs 506, 508, a third pair of legs 510,
512, and a fourth pair of legs 514, 516. It is understood that one
or more of the legs 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, 514, 516 may have
any of the configurations and/or orientations described above with
respect to the legs shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and/or 6. For example, one
or more of the legs 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, 514, 516 may have
a length L, width W, height H1, profile, and/or other configuration
substantially similar to one or more of the legs described above
with respect to FIGS. 3, 4, and/or 6. Additionally, each pair of
legs shown in FIG. 5 may be located proximate and/or otherwise
disposed at a respective corner of the peak 310. For example, the
first pair of legs 502, 504 may be disposed at a first corner 518
of the peak 310, the second pair of legs 506, 508 may be disposed
at a second corner 520 of the peak 310, the third pair of legs 510,
512 may be disposed at a third corner 522 of the peak 310, and the
fourth pair of legs 514, 516 may be disposed at a fourth corner 524
of the peak 310. Further, the configurations of the legs 502-516
shown in FIG. 5 may be useful in tuning and/or otherwise achieving
one or more desired characteristics of the resulting spring
204.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an
example keyboard 108, with portions removed for clarity. In
particular, FIG. 6 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a
keyboard 108 including an example spring 204 as described above
with respect to FIG. 3. For ease of description, the components
shown in FIG. 6 have been identified with item numbers
corresponding to the item numbers employed in FIG. 3 in order to
identify like components shown in these two figures. For example,
FIG. 6 illustrates a sheet of material 202, a spring, a substrate
206, a first leg 302, a third leg 306, a substantially planar peak
310, first and second ends 312, 314 of the first leg 302, and a
central portion 320, that substantially correspond to like
components shown in FIG. 3. For ease of description, and unless
otherwise specified, reference shall be made to the partial
cross-sectional view of the spring 204 shown in FIG. 6 for the
duration of this disclosure. It is understood, however, that any of
the configurations, relationships, and/or other characteristics of
the springs 204 described below are applicable to any of the
additional springs 204 described herein.
[0052] In example embodiments, a keyboard 108 of the present
disclosure may further include at least one layer of riser film
602. The riser film 602 may be made from any plastic, polymers,
laminate, adhesive, and/or other like material. In some
embodiments, the riser film 602 may be formed from one or more of
the materials described above with respect to either the substrate
206 or the sheet of material 202. The riser film 602 may be
disposed, for example, at least partially between the substrate 206
and a portion of the sheet of material 202. For example, the riser
film 602 may be disposed between the substrate 206 and one or more
substantially planar portions of the sheet of material 202
surrounding the springs 204.
[0053] For example, the riser material 602 may be disposed
substantially parallel to the substrate 206. In such embodiments,
the riser film 602 may extend toward a central axis 604 of each
spring 204, in the direction of the X-axis shown in FIG. 6, but may
stop proximate, for example, the first ends of the respective legs
302, 306 of the spring 204. Such a central axis 604 may extend
substantially perpendicular to the peak 310 and may pass centrally
through the peak 310 in the direction of the Z-axis. Thus, as shown
in FIG. 6, substantially no riser film 602 may be disposed between
the substrate 206 and the peak 310. Likewise, substantially no
riser film 602 may be disposed between the substrate 206 and the
respective legs 302, 306 of the spring 204. In this way, the riser
film 602 may assist in increasing the range of travel of the peak
310. Such an example range of travel is illustrated by arrow 606.
In some embodiments, it may be desirable to maximize the range of
travel of the peak 310 while minimizing, for example, the height H1
of the spring 204.
[0054] In some embodiments, the range of travel of the peak 310 may
be the distance between an initial position 608 of the peak 310 and
a final position 610 (shown in phantom) of the peak 310, and such a
range of travel may be less than approximately 2 mm. For example,
in some embodiments a desired range of travel may be less than or
approximately equal to 1 mm. Alternatively, in further embodiments
the range of travel may be greater than approximately 2 mm.
However, even with such a relatively short range of travel, springs
204 of the present disclosure may be configured to provide a
maximum resistive force that is between at least about 40 grams. In
some embodiments, the maximum resistive force may be about 60 grams
or more, and in further embodiments, the maximum resistive force
may be greater than about 100 grams. For example, such maximum
resistive force may be different from key to key, and a greater
maximum resistive force may be used for keys 118, such as the
"enter" key or the "space bar", that are more frequently used. As a
result, springs 204 of the present disclosure having respective
peaks 310 characterized by a range of travel that is approximately
1 mm or less may have the tactile feel of a conventional mechanical
spring characterized by a range of travel that is greater than or
equal to approximately 2 mm. In such embodiments, the peak 310 may
be spaced from the substrate 206 by a distance less than
approximately 2 mm. As shown in at least FIG. 6, the substantially
planar peak 310 may have any width dimension X useful for timing
the spring 204. In example embodiments of the present disclosure,
the width X of a peak 310 may be between at least about 0.1 mm and
at most about 2 mm or greater. For example, in some embodiments
such a width X may be any dimension between about 0.5 mm and about
1.6 mm.
[0055] Further, the initial position 608 described above may be a
position of the peak 310 without external forces, such as a key
stroke force, being applied to the spring 204. The final position
610, on the other hand, may be a position of the peak 310 with an
external force being applied to the spring 204 such that the spring
204 abuts the substrate 206. For example, when the peak 310 is in
the final position 610, a bottom surface 612 of the peak 310 may be
in contact with the substrate 206. Such a final position 610 may be
achieved when, for example, a key 118 of the keyboard 108 including
the spring 204 is fully depressed by the user. Thus, the range of
travel of the peak 310 may extend from the initial position 608 to
the final position 610. Additionally, it is understood that such a
range of travel may extend in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the peak 310, such as in the direction of the
central axis 604.
[0056] In example embodiments, the riser film 602 may have any
length, width, height, and/or other dimension useful in tuning the
range of travel of the peak 310. For example, the riser film 602
may have a height H2 that is between at least about 0.2 mm and at
most about 0.6 mm. Alternatively, in further embodiments the riser
film 602 may have a height H2 that is less than approximately 0.2
mm or that is greater than approximately 0.6 mm. It is understood
that such configurations of the riser film 602 may assist in
spacing the peak 310 from the substrate 206 so as to achieve a
desired range of travel of the peak 310. In such embodiments,
inclusion of the riser film 602 beneath the spring 204 may result
in a combined height H3 that is less than or equal to approximately
2 mm. For example, in some embodiments such a spring/riser film
combined height H3 may be less than or equal to approximately 1 mm.
In other embodiments, however, the height H3 may be greater than
approximately 1 mm.
[0057] Alternatively, in still further embodiments the substrate
206 may include one or more grooves, channels, cutouts, notches, or
other like structures (not shown). In such embodiments, at least a
portion of the sheet of material 202 may be at least partially
disposed within, for example, a groove of the substrate 206. It is
understood that in such embodiments, the riser film 602 may be
omitted.
[0058] FIG. 7 illustrates a force curve demonstrating the
relationship between the resistive force (i.e., spring force)
provided by the spring 204 and the distance traveled by the peak
310 from the initial position 608 to the final position 610
described above. As noted above, the resistive force provided by
the spring 204 may vary as the peak 310 is moved through a
corresponding range of travel. In particular, as a user applies a
key stroke force to the spring 204 via a corresponding key 118, at
a location proximate the peak 310, the peak 310 may move from the
initial position 608 substantially in the direction of arrow 210.
At this initial stage of movement, the resistive force provided by
the spring 204 may increase until a maximum resistive force F1 is
reached. As shown by section A of FIG. 7, such a maximum resistive
force F1 may be provided by the spring 204 when the peak 310 has
traveled a first distance D1 from the initial position 608. In
example embodiments, the spring 204 may provide such a maximum
resistive force F1 when the peak 310 is located at the first
distance D1 from the initial position 608, and in some embodiments
the first distance D1 may be between at least about 0.2 mm and at
most about 0.4 mm. In further embodiments, such a first distance D1
may be less than approximately 0.3 mm, and the spring 204 may be
tuned such that the maximum resistive force F1 may be between at
least about 40 grams and at most about 60 grams. Indeed, the spring
204 may be tuned such that the distance D1 is minimized. For
example, the first distance D1 may be a distance less than or equal
to approximately 1/5 of the range of travel of the peak 310.
[0059] In example embodiments, the resistive force provided by the
spring 204 may decrease after the peak 301 travels greater than the
first distance D1 from the initial position 608. In particular, the
spring 204 may be tuned such that the resistive force provided by
the spring 204 decreases once the peak 310 travels a distance from
the initial position 608 that is greater than approximately 1/5 of
the range of travel of the peak 310. Such a decrease in the
resistive force is shown by section B of FIG. 7. At this
intermediate stage of movement, the resistive force provided by the
spring 204 may decrease until a minimum resistive force F2 is
reached at a distance D2 from the initial position 608. In example
embodiments, the spring 204 may be tuned such that the distance D2
is maximized, and/or such that the distance between distances D1
and D2 is maximized. For example, maximizing the range of travel of
the peak 310 during which the resistive force provided by the
spring 204 decreases may maximize the ergonomics, tactile feel,
and/or usability of the keyboard 108. Tuning the spring 204 in this
way may also result in a user experience that closely approximates
that of a conventional keyboard. In example embodiments, the
distance between D1 and D2 may comprise greater than approximately
50% of the total travel distance of the spring 204, and in some
embodiments, the distance between D1 and D2 may comprise greater
than approximately 60% of the total travel distance of the spring
204. For comparison purposes, the distance between analogous
portions of known dome spring force curves typically comprises
between approximately 30% and approximately 35%. As a result, an
example spring 204 having a total travel distance of approximately
1 mm may provide a tactile response similar to that of a dome
spring having a total travel distance of approximately 2 mm.
[0060] In some embodiments, once the peak 310 has traveled a
distance D2 from the initial position 608, the bottom surface 612
of the peak 310 may be substantially in contact with the substrate
206. As a result, the resistive force provided by the spring 204
may sharply rise as key stroke force is applied to the spring 204
by the user via the key 118. Such an example increase in the
resistive force is illustrated by section C of FIG. 7. In example
embodiments, in section C the spring 204 may travel a distance that
is approximately equal to the distance D1 described above with
respect to section A. For example, in section C, the spring 204 may
be configured to travel less than approximately 0.3 mm. In some
embodiments, the spring 204 may be tuned such that the distance
traveled in section C is minimized. For example, as noted above
with respect to the distance D1, the distance traveled in section C
may be less than or equal to approximately 1/5 of the range of
travel of the peak 310.
Example Process
[0061] FIG. 8 illustrates a process 800 as a collection of blocks
in a logical flow diagram. The process 800 represents a sequence of
operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a
combination thereof. In the context of software, the blocks shown
in FIG. 8 represent computer-executable instructions that, when
executed by one or more processors, such as the processor 104,
perform the recited operations. Generally, computer-executable
instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data
structures, and the like that perform particular functions or
implement particular abstract data types. The order in which the
operations are described is not intended to be construed as a
limitation, and any number of the described blocks can be combined
in any order and/or in parallel to implement the processes. For
discussion purposes, the process 800 is described with reference to
the architecture 100 of FIG. 1, and the keyboard 108, keys 118,
sheet of material 202, springs 204, substrate 206, and other
components of FIGS. 1-3 and 6. Nevertheless, it is understood that
the process 800 shown in FIG. 8 is equally applicable to the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 8, an example method of manufacturing a
touch-sensitive input device, such as the keyboard 108, may include
providing a substantially planar substrate 206. Such a substrate
206 may be provided at 802. The process 800 may also include
forming a plurality of springs 204 from a single sheet of material
202 at 804. As noted above, each spring 204 of the plurality of
springs may be included on the same sheet of material 202.
Moreover, such springs 204 may be formed on the sheet of material
202 via any molding, cutting, etching, thermoforming, and/or other
like process. Such processes may also include rolling, pressing,
stretching, flattening, and/or otherwise preparing the sheet of
material 202 to have a desired length, width, height, thickness,
and/or other configuration.
[0063] As noted above, example springs 204 of the present
disclosure may have any of a variety of different configurations.
For example, at least one spring 204 of the plurality of springs
formed at 804 may include a substantially planar peak 310 that is
spaced from the substrate 206. As described above with respect to
FIG. 6, in some embodiments the peak 310 may be spaced from the
substrate 206 by either the height H1 of the spring 204 or, in some
embodiments, by the combined height H3. Additionally, such a spring
204 may include a first substantially arcuate leg 302 extending
from the peak 310 toward the substrate 206. In such embodiments,
the first leg 302 may be oriented in a first direction 322 (FIG. 3)
relative to the peak 310. Additionally, such a spring 204 may
include a second substantially arcuate leg 304 extending from the
peak 310 toward the substrate 206. Such a second leg 304 may be
oriented in a second direction 324 (FIG. 3) relative to the peak
310 that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction 322
described above.
[0064] Moreover, the springs 204 formed as part of the process 800
may be configured to provide a resistive force in response to the
application of a key stroke force by a user of the keyboard 108.
For example, the resistive force provided by the spring 204 may
increase as the peak 310 begins traveling from an initial position
608, and may continue to increase until the spring 204 provides a
maximum resistive force F1 at a first distance D1 from the initial
position 608. In example embodiments, such a first distance D1 may
be less than or equal to approximately 1/5 of the range of travel
of the peak 310. Additionally, the resistive force provided by the
spring 204 may decrease after the peak 310 travels the first
distance D1 from the initial position 608 of the peak 310. The
above relationships are described above in further detail with
regard to the plot shown in FIG. 7.
[0065] In further embodiments, forming one or more springs 204 from
the sheet of material 202 at 804 may also include forming a third
substantially arcuate leg 306 extending from the peak 310 of the
spring 204 in a third direction 326 (FIG. 3) substantially
perpendicular to the second direction 324. Forming one or more
springs 204 may also include forming a fourth substantially arcuate
leg 308 extending from the peak 310 of the spring 204 in a fourth
direction 328 substantially perpendicular to the first and third
directions 322, 326. In still further embodiments, as described
above with respect to FIG. 5 the first and second legs 302, 304 may
comprise a first pair of legs disposed at a first corner 518 of the
peak 310. In such embodiments, forming the plurality of springs 204
at 804 may include forming a second pair of legs 506, 508 disposed
at a second corner 520 of the peak 310, forming a third pair of
legs 510, 512 at a third corner 522 of the peak 310, and forming a
fourth pair of legs 514, 516 at a fourth corner 524 of the peak
310.
[0066] The process 800 may further include supporting the sheet of
material 202 on the substrate 206 at 806. In some embodiments, such
a process may also include forming at least one groove in the
substrate 206 and disposing at least a portion of the sheet of
material 202 within the at least one groove. Alternatively, at 808
a layer of raiser film 602 may be disposed between the substrate
206 and the sheet of material 202. As shown in at least FIG. 6,
such a layer of raiser film 602 may assist in maximizing the range
of travel of the peak 310 once the sheet of material 202 has been
disposed thereon.
[0067] The environment and individual elements described herein may
of course include many other logical, programmatic, and physical
components, of which those shown in the accompanying figures are
merely examples that are related to the discussion herein.
[0068] Other architectures may be used to implement the described
functionality, and are intended to be within the scope of this
disclosure. Furthermore, although specific distributions of
responsibilities are defined above for purposes of discussion, the
various functions and responsibilities might be distributed and
divided in different ways, depending on circumstances.
CONCLUSION
[0069] In closing, although the various embodiments have been
described in language specific to structural features and/or
methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter
defined in the appended representations is not necessarily limited
to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific
features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing
the claimed subject matter.
* * * * *